■ Unprecedented demand in supermarkets
THE Mayor of Wexford Cllr George Lawlor has urged people to take every available precaution when it comes to preventing the spread of covid-19. In the wake of government measures imposed on Thursday, a wave of panic hit Wexford and other towns across the county and country, with supermarket shelves being left bare as people bulk bought everything from meat to toilet paper.
‘I think the panic buying was an instinctive move from people who know that we are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis, but reacted in a knee-jerk way’ he said. ‘ This is an unprecedented situation and there will be unprecedented action, but I think people need to be mindful that we need items for everyone. I would urge people not to bulk buy and empty the shelves for themselves, but to think of other people who may need items as well.’
Cllr Lawlor called for people to take every precaution they can to protect themselves from the virus.
‘ The bottom line is to be as precautionary as possible,’ he said. ‘We’ve already seen a fantastic community response to this in the cancellation of many much loved community activities. It’s done with a heavy heart, but it’s an indication of the community coming together to get over this dreadful virus.’
‘Overall, it’s imperative that we look after ourselves and follow the procedures in relation to hand-washing and hygiene etc,’ he continued. ‘After that, it’s important to keep an eye out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours in the community and assist them as safely as possible, both for them and ourselves.’